A 3-minute lesson from the Illinois course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
If your vehicle breaks down, your safest move depends on the type of road. On busy, fast roads you usually stay buckled inside. On quieter roads you may get out, but only on the side away from traffic.
High-capacity roadway
A road built for heavy traffic, with multiple lanes, controlled intersections and traffic management systems. Examples: highways and major urban arterials.
A road built for lighter traffic, with fewer lanes, fewer traffic controls and a lower speed limit. Found in residential areas, rural regions and secondary routes.
Never stop on an expressway. If you have a problem, pull off the road, lift your hood and turn on your hazard flashers. Never walk along the expressway.
Your car dies on a quiet rural road. You pull onto the shoulder. It's safe, so you climb out the passenger side, away from traffic, and wait behind the guard rail after turning on your hazards and calling 911.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
If stranded on a high-capacity road, you should stay in the vehicle, keep your seatbelt on, and activate hazard lights while waiting for help.
True
False
Answer: True
On high-capacity roads, staying belted in the vehicle with hazards on is the safety protocol.